25 Seattle coffee shops we miss

Long before Starbucks took over the world, we sipped caffeine in these favorite, long-gone Seattle coffee shops. Recognize any of them? Coffee shops here include diners and lunch spots; feel free to add your own at the bottom.

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Recognize these places?

Recognize these places?

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<b>1. Honey Bear Bakery</b>: A beloved Green Lake institution for years, this coffee shop was known for its pies and cakes. And giant cinnamon rolls.

<b>1. Honey Bear Bakery</b>: A beloved Green Lake institution for years, this coffee shop was known for its pies and cakes. And giant cinnamon rolls.

Photo: PHIL H. WEBBER / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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The <b>Honey Bear</b> was also known for its big bear statue, which was stolen in 1998. The business is now in the food court outside Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park.

The <b>Honey Bear</b> was also known for its big bear statue, which was stolen in 1998. The business is now in the food court outside Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park.

Photo: DAN DELONG / Seattle Post--Intelligencer

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<b>2. Kapow! Coffee</b> was known for its “Ride the S.L.U.T.” T-shirts, which poked fun at the original name of the neighborhood's streetcar, the “South Lake Union Trolley.” But it was really a jab at gentrification. Here's T-shirts creators Jerry Thomson, in blue, and Don Clifton, in green. less

<b>2. Kapow! Coffee</b> was known for its “Ride the S.L.U.T.” T-shirts, which poked fun at the original name of the neighborhood's streetcar, the “South Lake Union Trolley.” But it was really a jab at ... more

Photo: ANDY ROGERS / SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER

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3. <b>Speakeasy</b>: Long before WiFi was everywhere, there was this pioneer ‘90s Internet cafe in Belltown, downstairs from the also now-defunct 211 Club pool hall. The cafe, pictured here in 1999, was gutted by a fire in 2001. less

3. <b>Speakeasy</b>: Long before WiFi was everywhere, there was this pioneer ‘90s Internet cafe in Belltown, downstairs from the also now-defunct 211 Club pool hall. The cafe, pictured here in 1999, was ... more

Photo: LOREN CALLAHAN / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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4. <b>Still Life Cafe</b>: Does this photo of a turtlenecked, pony-tailed guy sipping chai sum up the long-gone, popular Still Life? Or maybe it just says Seattle in the ‘90s. Before it became the 35th Street Bistro, this cafe was old, funky Fremont, with mismatched chairs, soup and hippies. less

4. <b>Still Life Cafe</b>: Does this photo of a turtlenecked, pony-tailed guy sipping chai sum up the long-gone, popular Still Life? Or maybe it just says Seattle in the ‘90s. Before it became the 35th ... more

Photo: SCOTT EKLUND / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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<b>Still Life Cafe</b> in Fremont.

<b>Still Life Cafe</b> in Fremont.

Photo: Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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<b>5. Coffee Messiah</b> in Capitol Hill was known for its indie vibe, neon "Caffeine Saves" sign, and the fact that it wasn't Starbucks.

<b>5. Coffee Messiah</b> in Capitol Hill was known for its indie vibe, neon "Caffeine Saves" sign, and the fact that it wasn't Starbucks.

Photo: PAUL JOSEPH BROWN / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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<b>6. Torrefazione Italia in Pioneer Square</b>: There was something so <i>Euro</i> about sitting on the bricks and sipping espresso in one of the cafe's hand-painted Italian cups. Starbucks closed Torrefazione’s cafes in 2005. less

<b>6. Torrefazione Italia in Pioneer Square</b>: There was something so <i>Euro</i> about sitting on the bricks and sipping espresso in one of the cafe's hand-painted Italian cups. Starbucks closed ... more

Photo: Grant M. Haller / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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<b>7. The Boomtown Cafe</b> on 3rd Avenue welcomed everyone, no matter how poor. Customers got a hot meal for 25 cents and 15 minutes of work in the restaurant. Otherwise, a meal was $2. It closed in 2005. less

<b>7. The Boomtown Cafe</b> on 3rd Avenue welcomed everyone, no matter how poor. Customers got a hot meal for 25 cents and 15 minutes of work in the restaurant. Otherwise, a meal was $2. It closed in ... more

Photo: Scott Eklund / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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Here's the Boomtown Cafe serving a Christmas brunch in 2001 for hundreds of low-income customers.

Here's the Boomtown Cafe serving a Christmas brunch in 2001 for hundreds of low-income customers.

Photo: JEFF LARSEN / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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8. <b>Last Exit on Brooklyn</b> opened in the late 60s in the University District and was famous for its eclectic crowd of students, hippies and chess players. Photo by Moss Willow, <a href="http://www.mosswillow.com">www.mosswillow.com</a>. less

8. <b>Last Exit on Brooklyn</b> opened in the late 60s in the University District and was famous for its eclectic crowd of students, hippies and chess players. Photo by Moss Willow, <a ... more

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<b>9. Café Septieme</b> was a Capitol Hill favorite on Broadway. Photo from 2005.

<b>9. Café Septieme</b> was a Capitol Hill favorite on Broadway. Photo from 2005.

Photo: Grant M. Haller / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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<b>10. Webster's Charlestown Street Cafe</b>: A West Seattle institution for decades, favored by seniors and families, closed shop last year.

<b>10. Webster's Charlestown Street Cafe</b>: A West Seattle institution for decades, favored by seniors and families, closed shop last year.

Photo: GILBERT W. ARIAS / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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Hesper Guerra had worked at Webster's Charlestown Street Cafe for about 20 years, starting after she graduated from high school. Customers loved her.

Hesper Guerra had worked at Webster's Charlestown Street Cafe for about 20 years, starting after she graduated from high school. Customers loved her.

Photo: GILBERT W. ARIAS / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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<b>11. Espresso Vivace on East Denny Way</b>: Before this popular coffee house moved into the Brix building on Broadway, it occupied a beautiful, airy space near Cal Anderson Park. But we’re glad Vivace's still on the hill. (Pictured is owner David Schomer in the old place). less

<b>11. Espresso Vivace on East Denny Way</b>: Before this popular coffee house moved into the Brix building on Broadway, it occupied a beautiful, airy space near Cal Anderson Park. But we’re glad Vivace's ... more

Photo: Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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<b>Espresso Vivace at 901 E. Denny Way</b>, before it closed in 2008 to make way for a light rail station. The coffee house moved north on Broadway.

<b>Espresso Vivace at 901 E. Denny Way</b>, before it closed in 2008 to make way for a light rail station. The coffee house moved north on Broadway.

Photo: Meryl Schenker / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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<b>12. Longshoreman's Daughter</b>: This Fremont favorite was beloved for its coffee and hearty breakfasts.

<b>12. Longshoreman's Daughter</b>: This Fremont favorite was beloved for its coffee and hearty breakfasts.

<b>Lottie Motts Coffee Shop</b> closed in 2005 after seven years in Columbia City. It's since become the bar Lottie’s Lounge.

<b>Lottie Motts Coffee Shop</b> closed in 2005 after seven years in Columbia City. It's since become the bar Lottie’s Lounge.

Photo: MERYL SCHENKER / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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Lottie Motts.

Lottie Motts.

Photo: MERYL SCHENKER / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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<b>14. Cafe Minnie's</b> on Broadway was the place to eat some greasy French toast after you'd been drinking all night.

<b>14. Cafe Minnie's</b> on Broadway was the place to eat some greasy French toast after you'd been drinking all night.

Photo: GILBERT W. ARIAS / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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The <b>15. Elliott Bay Cafe</b> was the subterranean-feeling eatery in the Elliott Bay Book Company when it was still in Pioneer Square. It was a great place to hide out with a newspaper and some coffee. less

The <b>15. Elliott Bay Cafe</b> was the subterranean-feeling eatery in the Elliott Bay Book Company when it was still in Pioneer Square. It was a great place to hide out with a newspaper and some ... more

Photo: Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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<b>16. Denny’s in Ballard</b> was demolished in 2008, after a battle to save the distinctive building at 15th and Market. It replaced Manning's Cafeteria in 1983, before Ballard filled with condos and hip boutiques. less

<b>16. Denny’s in Ballard</b> was demolished in 2008, after a battle to save the distinctive building at 15th and Market. It replaced Manning's Cafeteria in 1983, before Ballard filled with condos and hip ... more

Photo: Phil H. Webber / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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17. When <b>Grown Folks Coffeehouse</b> opened in 2008, Beacon Hillers cheered for their own friendly, family-run café. But its building was slated for redevelopment, and the coffee was short-lived. Pictured are Illume Miller and son Gary Grant in 2008, who ran the cafe with other family members. less

17. When <b>Grown Folks Coffeehouse</b> opened in 2008, Beacon Hillers cheered for their own friendly, family-run café. But its building was slated for redevelopment, and the coffee was short-lived. Pictured ... more

Photo: Meryl Schenker / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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<b>18. Globe Cafe:</b> This Capitol Hill place was known for its vegan biscuits and gravy and poetry slams.

<b>18. Globe Cafe:</b> This Capitol Hill place was known for its vegan biscuits and gravy and poetry slams.

Photo: SCOTT EKLUND / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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19. The <b>Cat's Eye Cafe</b> was a cozy place near Lincoln Park, known for its sandwiches, brownies and American flag, which owner Penny Ratliff (pictured) had raised while her husband was serving in in Iraq. less

19. The <b>Cat's Eye Cafe</b> was a cozy place near Lincoln Park, known for its sandwiches, brownies and American flag, which owner Penny Ratliff (pictured) had raised while her husband was serving in in ... more

Photo: PAUL JOSEPH BROWN

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The Cat’s Eye Café closed after a car crashed into its front wall in 2006. Pictured is owner Penny Ratliff with her husband Neal Ratliff, who had returned from duty in Iraq.

The Cat’s Eye Café closed after a car crashed into its front wall in 2006. Pictured is owner Penny Ratliff with her husband Neal Ratliff, who had returned from duty in Iraq.

Photo: Paul Joseph Brown / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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20. Apologies for this strange photo. It’s the only P-I photo of the <b>Surrogate Hostess</b>, a North Capitol Hill favorite place that embraced communal tables. Tully's now occupies the spot. less

20. Apologies for this strange photo. It’s the only P-I photo of the <b>Surrogate Hostess</b>, a North Capitol Hill favorite place that embraced communal tables. Tully's now occupies the ... more

Photo: Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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21. <b>The Plymouth Café</b> at Third and Cherry had good food and a good heart. Profits helped homeless people get into housing and stable jobs the Plymouth Housing Group.

21. <b>The Plymouth Café</b> at Third and Cherry had good food and a good heart. Profits helped homeless people get into housing and stable jobs the Plymouth Housing Group.

Photo: GILBERT W. ARIAS / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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22. The <b>old B&O in the old Broadway Market</b>: Famous for their current dessert house on East Olive Way, the B & O had an espresso shop inside the old Broadway Market, which was a fine place to get a latte and read a newspaper from Bulldog News. less

22. The <b>old B&O in the old Broadway Market</b>: Famous for their current dessert house on East Olive Way, the B & O had an espresso shop inside the old Broadway Market, which was a fine place to get a latte ... more

Photo: Grant M. Haller / Grant M. Haller

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23. <b>Green Cat Café</b>: When this '90s veggie place was on, it was good. By the early aughts, not so good. But it was a Capitol Hill fave while it lasted. Here's the "Green Cat Sandwich" with pesto, avocado, tomatoes, cheese and sunflower seeds. less

23. <b>Green Cat Café</b>: When this '90s veggie place was on, it was good. By the early aughts, not so good. But it was a Capitol Hill fave while it lasted. Here's the "Green Cat Sandwich" with pesto, ... more

Photo: Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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24. Longtime King County courthouse workers may remember the <b>downtown espresso cart at Third and James</b> run for years by a friendly barista named Candy, until Starbucks made espresso ubiquitous. less

24. Longtime King County courthouse workers may remember the <b>downtown espresso cart at Third and James</b> run for years by a friendly barista named Candy, until Starbucks made espresso ... more

Photo: GILBERT W. ARIAS / SEATTLE POST INTELLIGENCER

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25. When the 24-hour <b>Dog House</b> restaurant and bar closed in 1994, it was a passing of an era. KCTS broadcast its last day live, and Seattle PI columnist Jon Hahn wrote it was "an epoch of Seattle history, a virtually non-stop, open 24-hours run of food, booze, music and fellowship." Pictured is Laurie Gulbransen, who ran the Dog House for nearly 60 years. less

25. When the 24-hour <b>Dog House</b> restaurant and bar closed in 1994, it was a passing of an era. KCTS broadcast its last day live, and Seattle PI columnist Jon Hahn wrote it was "an epoch of Seattle ... more

<b>Best all-around coffee shop: Caffe Fiore</b><br><br> No Seattle coffee-shop list would be complete without a mention of this ever-expanding local business. Caffe Fiore has coffee-connoisseur grade coffee and a comfy vibe. <a href="http://caffefiore.com/">Caffe Fiore website</a> less

<b>Best all-around coffee shop: Caffe Fiore</b><br><br> No Seattle coffee-shop list would be complete without a mention of this ever-expanding local business. Caffe Fiore has coffee-connoisseur grade coffee ... more

Photo: Image via Google

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<b>Best coffee shop for meeting new people: Neptune Coffee</b><br><br>This Greenwood cafe goes out of its way to get you out from behind your laptop. Neptune has a thriving social life, known for trivia competitions and knitting nights. <a href="http://www.neptunecoffee.com/">Neptune website</a> less

<b>Best coffee shop for meeting new people: Neptune Coffee</b><br><br>This Greenwood cafe goes out of its way to get you out from behind your laptop. Neptune has a thriving social life, known for trivia ... more

<b>Best coffee shop for people watching: Bauhaus Books and Coffee </b><br><br> This coffee shop has a front-row seat to the Capitol Hill peep (as in "people") show. If you're not interested in what's happening inside the cafe, just direct your attention outside. <a href=" </b><br><br>">Bauhaus website</a> less

<b>Best coffee shop for people watching: Bauhaus Books and Coffee </b><br><br> This coffee shop has a front-row seat to the Capitol Hill peep (as in "people") show. If you're not interested in what's happening ... more

Photo: Image via Google

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<b>Best coffee shop for reading: Elliott Bay Cafe</b><br><br>A move to Capitol Hill meant big changes for the Elliott Bay Book Company, including a larger, more open space for its cafe. Browse, sip, read. less

<b>Best coffee shop for reading: Elliott Bay Cafe</b><br><br>A move to Capitol Hill meant big changes for the Elliott Bay Book Company, including a larger, more open space for its cafe. Browse, sip, ... more

<b>Best coffee shop for people turned off by coffee shops: Java Bean</b><br><br>Not interested in the so-called coffee house culture? Try frequenting a place with deer antlers on the wall instead. Java Bean has locations in West Seattle and Ballard. <a href="http://www.javabeancoffee.com/homepage.html">Java Bean website</a> less

<b>Best coffee shop for people turned off by coffee shops: Java Bean</b><br><br>Not interested in the so-called coffee house culture? Try frequenting a place with deer antlers on the wall instead. Java Bean ... more

Photo: Image via Google

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<b>Best coffee shop that delivers: Lighthouse Roasters</b><br><br>Like many small roasters, Fremont-based Lighthouse will send bags of coffee right to your home. <a href="http://www.lighthouseroasters.com/">Lighthouse website</a> less

<b>Best coffee shop that delivers: Lighthouse Roasters</b><br><br>Like many small roasters, Fremont-based Lighthouse will send bags of coffee right to your home. <a ... more

Photo: Image via Google

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<b>Best coffee shop for music: Trabant Coffee and Chai</b><br><br>Some of the city's best musicians have played gigs at Trabant's University District cafe. <a href="http://www.trabantcoffee.com/">Trabant website</a> less

<b>Best coffee shop for music: Trabant Coffee and Chai</b><br><br>Some of the city's best musicians have played gigs at Trabant's University District cafe. <a href="http://www.trabantcoffee.com/">Trabant ... more

Photo: Image via Google

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<b>Best coffee shop for getting some work done: Zoka Coffee</b><br><br>Tables? Lots of them. Outlets? Enough to get by if you share. A couple dozen young professionals tweeting and blogging their day away? Yes, there's that, too. The company's Greenlake location has ample work space, and its University District cafe is usually laptop friendly. <a href="http://www.zokacoffee.com/">Zoka website</a> less

<b>Best coffee shop for getting some work done: Zoka Coffee</b><br><br>Tables? Lots of them. Outlets? Enough to get by if you share. A couple dozen young professionals tweeting and blogging their day away? ... more

Photo: Amy Rolph/seattlepi.com

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<b>Best coffee shop for coffee geeks: Victrola Coffee</b><br><br>This critically-acclaimed cafe and roaster is one of the city's finest, boasting complicated espresso and and eclectic jazz soundtrack. <a href="http://www.victrolacoffee.com/">Victrola website</a> less

<b>Best coffee shop for coffee geeks: Victrola Coffee</b><br><br>This critically-acclaimed cafe and roaster is one of the city's finest, boasting complicated espresso and and eclectic jazz soundtrack. <a ... more

<b>Best coffee shop for getting to know coffee: Seattle Coffee Works</b><br><br>This downtown roastery has an express bar and a slow bar. At the express, you get your coffee and go -- business as usual. At the slow bar, you taste, test and talk about coffee. <a href="http://www.seattlecoffeeworks.com/">Coffee Works website</a> less

<b>Best coffee shop for getting to know coffee: Seattle Coffee Works</b><br><br>This downtown roastery has an express bar and a slow bar. At the express, you get your coffee and go -- business as usual. At the ... more

<b>Best coffee shop for people who don't like coffee: Starbucks</b><br><br>Don't like coffee? No problem. Your caramel mocha frappuccino tastes more like a milkshake than coffee, and you can always try the company's new <a href="http://blog.seattlepi.com/thebigblog/2012/01/10/starbucks-launches-milder-coffee-do-customers-prefer-blondes/">blonde roast.</a> less

<b>Best coffee shop for people who don't like coffee: Starbucks</b><br><br>Don't like coffee? No problem. Your caramel mocha frappuccino tastes more like a milkshake than coffee, and you can always try the ... more

Photo: Amy Rolph/seattlepi.com

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<b>Best-loved coffee shop: Tougo Coffee</b><br><br>The Central District cafe faced closure in 2011, but raised $10,000 -- partially from from neighbors and community members -- to keep its doors open. <a href="http://tougocoffee.com/">Tougo website</a> less

<b>Best-loved coffee shop: Tougo Coffee</b><br><br>The Central District cafe faced closure in 2011, but raised $10,000 -- partially from from neighbors and community members -- to keep its doors open. <a ... more